Arable farmers urged to complete NFU harvest survey

Arable farmers across England and Wales are being urged to complete this year’s NFU harvest survey.

The annual survey, which is open to NFU farmer and grower members only, aims to produce as clear a picture as possible of this year’s harvest and allows the NFU to provide members with an informed view of the supply situation.

NFU chief arable adviser Guy Gagen said: "Historically, the harvest survey has proven to be a reliable estimate and provides the most accurate early forecast for UK crop yields and production levels.

"To ensure it is comprehensive it is vital that as many farmers as possible take part. The data gathered supports the results of Defra’s own survey later in the autumn and fills an important gap between harvest and when official estimates are available.

"Harvesting is now underway and reports of yields to date have been much more variable than normal. An accurate survey is critical in making a reliable estimate of production for 2011."